Swing, Swang, Swung

Emma has finally mastered pumping all on her own!  Last week she kept bugging Daddy and I to push her on the swing. Sometimes we obliged for a few pushes. Then once Daddy left again for Cedar Rapids, I was too hot and tired to push Emma. So I encouraged her to pump by herself. Of course she whined and complained, "I can't do it! I can't get as high as when you push me!"


So one day she asked me if I would go outside with her and push her on the swing. I had to finish up a few things on the computer and told her I would come outside when I was done. But I might not push you I said. It took me longer than I expected to finish up and towards the end of my work I heard a noise that I thought should have reminded me of something. I went outside and there was Emma swinging really high in the sky!
"Look, Mama! I can touch the Locust tree with my feet!"
"Wow! You are really doing great! I knew you could learn to swing without my help."

Then Emma slowed down and asked me to watch how she got started. She used one foot to push her backwards and then really worked the pumping action. She was soaring high again in no time. And grinning like crazy! It was an awesome afternoon!

Mother's Day weekend

On Mother's day weekend we went north to Minnesota for cousin Patrick's 2nd birthday. On Saturday the whole family went for a walk at a local arboretum-type place. Grandma, Emma, Patrick and Aunt Susan shared a bench- for about 30 seconds. Then the kids were off and moving!

Later at the party, Emma enjoyed swinging with Patrick and a second cousin, Jackson. They also got to find and collect all the pieces to the train accident that had occurred in the yard.

After dinner Emma got to decorate her own train car cake! She expertly squeezed out the frosting and added some colorful candy decorations. She was particularly taken with the gummy life savers.

On Sunday we all headed to a Culver's for a lunch treat on Grandpa. We had some cheese curds and french fries to share. Plus, there were free scoops for all the mothers. Emma used her scoopie ticket to order vanilla custard with oreo cookies. She ate every last bite, which isn't too surprising. Grandma said it was the best mother's day ever!

Feliz cumpleanoz

On Cinco de Mayo we celebrated Aunt Susan's birthday at our house. We had a summery bean bowl and homemade bread for dinner followed by a white cake with raspberry filling and bittersweet chocolate frosting (made by me).  Emma watched me decorate the cake and chose the sea blue color for the writing. She was very eager to take a bite!  On Aunt Susan's birthday Emma left her a telephone Spanish birthday greeting. Aunt Susan was very impressed. Emma had spent about a week practicing the happy birthday phrase and got it just right.

 Check out her tee!

 



After enjoying a huge cupcake at Monty's for a dinner out, Emma came home on a sugar high. "Daddy, you be the cupcake and I'll be the frosting!"

Then Emma was showing Daddy some yoga poses. "Daddy you be the moon and I'll be the star."








Emma is a very avid painter. We bought a gourd at one of the last winter farmer's markets with the intent of painting it. Once I finally got around the setting everything up, Emma was completely absorbed in the process. She painted the gourd with bold bright colors. Now it's awaiting proper display. Daddy need to hang it inside for us!